From a Series of Staffordshire Child's ABC (Alphabet) plates known as "Conundrum" or "Riddle", this is #4 "Why are these boys wrong in their arithmetic?" The answer is supplied on the back of the plate: "Because two and one cannot make four." (I have to admit, I don't get it either!) The plate is 6" in diameter with a molded ABC border and a red line around the perimeter. There are some polychrome highlights on the transfer (green grass, blue clothing, red hat, etc.). This series, which dates c. 1880 most likely, is both rare and desirable.

The plate is in very fine condition. It is clean and the transfer strong. The molded alphabet around the edge is good and the only issue is a small, shallow edge chip (more like a nick than a chip), just under ¼" at about 11 o'clock.